Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Acknowledged
Environment Agency faces 'justice gap' in prosecuting widespread water company breaches
Conclusion
The EA told us it is increasing the number of inspections it does, and its teams are building up expertise in how wastewater treatment plants work.52 Of the 4,600 inspections the EA undertook last year, it told us found breaches in permits in 1,653, including 92 serious breaches and six which would normally lead to prosecution.53 The EA said it faces a “justice gap” where it cannot prosecute all the offences it finds, because there are too many of them and prosecution is too expensive. The EA stated that its new powers for civil penalties, through the Water (Special Measures) Act, will help to encourage companies to take action.54
Government Response Summary
The government supports the EA’s work to increase the number of inspections it does and build up expertise in how wastewater treatment plants work and is also working to address the “justice gap” where the EA cannot prosecute all the offences it finds and is committed to ensuring that the EA has the resources it needs to hold water companies to account for their environmental performance.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government supports the EA’s work to increase the number of inspections it does and build up expertise in how wastewater treatment plants work. The Government is also working to address the “justice gap” where the EA cannot prosecute all the offences it finds. The Government is committed to ensuring that the EA has the resources it needs to hold water companies to account for their environmental performance.